Action needed on pollution in Iowa

In 2011, an open air cattle yard was built on six acres, less than 700 feet from two houses, one of which has children. The people told me they haven't been able to open their windows or hang clothes on the line since this happen. When I go to visit my friend who lives there, the smell is so bad it gags me and drops me to my knees. I can't imagine living there all the time.

In the 70 years I have lived here, I have fed cattle and hogs; so did both the farmers around, and we never had a situation like this. I live three-fourths of a mile down the road, and the smell is in my yard. When you drive by, the smell gets in your car and takes your breath away.

The problem is not a rare happening; it happens every day.

When the manure pits are full, they have to haul the manure miles away in tanker and dump trucks. One day, the gate came open on the truck and spilled manure down the highway. The Department of Natural Resources said they were not interested in investigating the spill because it was on a county highway.

I believe that the DNR and the EPA should be cracking down on those who pollute our air, water and quality of life as well as stand up for everyday people who have to deal with this kind of pollution.

To have these things happen int he state of Iowa is criminal.

Tom Ratchford

Independence

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Action needed on pollution in Iowa

In 2011, an open air cattle yard was built on six acres, less than 700 feet from two houses, one of which has children. The people told me they haven't been able to open their windows or hang clothes